Women at the Loom: Empowering Female Artisans in Tripura

In the green, forested interiors of Tripura, the rhythmic pull of bamboo strips on looms echoes with quiet determination. Here, in modest village clusters, women are not just weaving mats and baskets—they are weaving change.

At Silpakarman, we’ve had the privilege of working closely with these women. Each handcrafted piece carries not just form and function, but the confidence of the woman who made it.

🧵 Bamboo as a Tool of Transformation

Bamboo craft is deeply rooted in Tripura’s culture, long practised by tribal communities. But traditionally, it was the men who cut, shaped, and sold. Women, despite handling much of the preparatory work, rarely received visibility or income.

That’s changing. Today, women in villages like Mohanpur are mastering full-scale bamboo mat weaving, basketry, and product finishing. They are becoming skilled artisans, team leaders, and income generators—often for the first time in their lives.

🌾 Meet Mina: A Weaver of Possibilities

Mina, a 38-year-old mother from Mohanpur, joined one of Silpakarman’s training clusters in 2021. At first unsure of her skills, she quickly picked up advanced mat weaving techniques. Today, she not only creates high-quality bamboo products but also supports the production cycle of her entire cluster.

When asked what bamboo work means to her, she smiles:

“It gave me confidence. Now, people listen to me.”

💡 Design Meets Dignity

At Silpakarman, we believe bamboo craft can be both economically viable and creatively rich. Our work with women in Tripura focuses on:

• Skill development tailored for mat weaving, product design, and quality finishing

• Fair wages and direct artisan payments

• Cluster-based workspaces that offer flexible hours for mothers and caregivers

• Collaborative product development, where women participate in shaping designs

We don’t just see them as beneficiaries—we see them as co-creators.

🌏 Handcrafted Change, One Mat at a Time

A handwoven bamboo mat may seem simple. But in the hands of a rural woman, it becomes a symbol of strength. Each product supports:

• Keeping girls in school

• Reducing financial dependence

• Delaying early marriages

• Preserving indigenous skill sets

Every sale isn’t just economic—it’s generational impact.

💛 The Future Is Woven

The women of Tripura don’t seek the spotlight—they seek sustainable work with dignity. They are artists of resilience, shaping craft futures from the most humble material: bamboo.

At Silpakarman, we’re not just reviving a craft. We’re supporting the women who keep it alive.